Water is a major component of life. A clean and sufficient supply of water, for drinking and for sanitation, is a prerequisite for the well-being of people everywhere. Water is equally vital to the workings of the ecosystems we depend on for survival, and it is also major conveyor of pollution and disease throughout our environment. The two inseparable issues with water are the quantity we use and pollution of it, for to use water is almost invariably to pollute it in some way.

16 Establish how hard your water is

It is important to know how hard the local water is when running a dishwasher, washing machine or heating system. Usually process water should not be harder than one millimol per litre ( your local water supplier can tell you the hardness of your water). Softening water helps to reduce the consumption of chemical agents and the cost of equipment maintenance (and it prolongs the life of machinery.)

17 Fit flow regulators for showers and hand-wash basins

Installing mixer taps, especially in bathrooms, serves both to protect the environment and to contain costs. These taps are usually combined with spray regulators, and because they mix hot and cold water faster and maintain the desired ratio, they also save water and energy.

18 Reduce WC flush and capacity by fitting a double flush

Many establishments have already fitted their toilet flushing system with a double flush or stop flow option. Experience suggests that guests make relatively little use of these, either because they are not sure how the system works or because they do not realise that there is a water-saving device available. Clear, simple instructions are essential if this option is to be used efficiently. If the stop flow function is used, water consumption for toilets can be cut by 30 to 50 per cent.

19 Inspect all points of water consumption regularly

Identify dripping taps and shower heads or WC cisterns which do not stop flowing waste water. Studies have shown that much water be lost in a year if these defects are left unattended. Repairs will also save money as well as water.

20 Don´t bombard the environment with washing powder

When using washing-powder, the following environment criteria are important:

• The amount of washing-powder you need depends on how hard the local water is.
• Washing-powders should be phosphate-free, because phosphates are partly responsible for overfertilization and even for “dead” lakes. Choose a washing-powder with chlorine-free bleach, because chlorine damages water plants and also cultivated plants.
• Use special washing agents for delicates when you can.
• Give preference to modular washing-powders, such as the three-component system which enables you to mix detergent, water softener and stain remover, to your own requirements.
• If you buy ecological washing-powders, bear in mind that the designation “ecological” is not protected to any legally binding definition.
• As a rule you can use up to 50 per cent less washing powder than the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
• Commercial stain removers are best avoided.

21 Keep 90° and pre-wash cycles to a minimum

Bed and table linen washed at 60º C will comply with hygienic standards. Laundry only requires the hottest cycle when it is exceptionally soiled. By replacing the 90° C wash with a 60° C wash you can almost halve your electricity consumption. By dispensing with the pre-wash cycle you will save up to 25 per cent on detergent, water and energy. Another golden rule is to use a full load of washing in the machine on every occasion.

22 Avoid fabric conditioners

Some of the substances found in commercial fabric conditioners are not biologically degradable and are poisonous to water organisms. One alternative which is kinder to the environment is to add a vinegar solution (3 per cent) to the last rinse.

23 Choose mild cleaning agents

Milder cleaning agents are available for almost all cleaning jobs in hostels. The market offers a wide variety of cleaners based on industrial ethanol or acetic or citric acid which, like soft soaps and other mild universal cleaners, are adequate for most purposes. Remember: Products with automatic dispensers are preferable.

24 Avoid disinfectants

There is no need to clean all the floors and bathroom/WC surfaces with disinfectants. In the kitchen, disinfectants can be substituted by hot water ( at 60 to 70° C) with a little soda.

25 Avoid toilet ducks and odour neutralizers

Toilet ducks and other odour neutralizers should be avoided at all events. The contents are extremely polluting. Besides, these products are of no hygienic value.

26 Avoid harsh cleaners for toilets and drains

Many establishments have already converted from conventional, anorganic cleaners to acetic agents for cleaning toilet bowls. These vinegar solutions prevent the scaling caused by lime and urine stains and they are positive alternatives to harsh agents in terms of both cost and environmental impact. To avoid toilet and drain blockages, an important preventive measure is to provide sanitary bags for tampons, etc.